Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is the use of medications—often in combination with therapy—to treat addiction. Medications like Buprenorphine or Naltrexone help curb cravings and withdrawal symptoms so that people can focus on recovery.
Currently, there are medications for both opioid and alcohol use disorder. Naltrexone, for instance, can be used to help with either opioid or alcohol addiction. This medication works by binding to and blocking the opioid receptors in the body, which makes drinking or using less pleasurable and reduces cravings.
While treatment with MAT is only possible for opioid and alcohol use disorder at this time, research is currently underway to test medications for meth addiction. A study funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse is measuring whether a combination of Naltrexone and Bupropion—a medication (known by the brand name Wellbutrin) used to treat depression—is effective in treating meth use disorder. So far, their research shows promising results.
MAT helps people come off substances and get their lives back after active addiction. The more substances MAT can be used for, the more people that can be helped.
If you are struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder, there is help and hope. TruHealing Centers offers high-quality treatment for addiction and mental health disorders in facilities across the country. We offer MAT to help gradually free you from substances. Call an admissions specialist at 410-593-0005.